A former JPMorgan Chase banker has filed a federal lawsuit alleging racism and sexual assault against a former colleague. Chirayu Rana, a former vice president in the bank’s leveraged-finance division, accused Lorna Hajdini of violating his civil rights. The lawsuit also names three other bankers from the leveraged-finance team as defendants.
Rana claims he faced a hostile work environment based on his race and gender. He alleges that Hajdini subjected him to unwanted sexual advances and physical assault. The lawsuit further states that the bank failed to address his complaints about the behavior.
The complaint details multiple incidents of alleged misconduct, including inappropriate touching and derogatory comments. Rana asserts that the bank’s human resources department did not take adequate action after he reported the incidents. He seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress and lost wages.
JPMorgan Chase has not yet issued a public response to the specific allegations. The bank has previously stated it does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. The case highlights ongoing issues of workplace misconduct in the financial industry.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in New York. Rana’s legal team argues that the bank’s actions violated federal anti-discrimination laws. The case could set a precedent for how financial institutions handle internal complaints.
Rana left JPMorgan Chase in early 2023, according to the lawsuit. He claims the alleged mistreatment forced him to resign. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and punitive damages.
The financial sector has faced mounting scrutiny over workplace culture. This lawsuit adds to a growing list of discrimination claims against major banks. The outcome may influence corporate policies on reporting and investigating misconduct.
